Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on 23 October 2026 inaugurated the fifth edition of the 'Mayer Gomon' carnival in Agartala, describing it as far more than a procession for the immersion of Durga idols — calling it a living expression of the state's royal heritage, cultural diversity, communal harmony and collective social consciousness. The state government organised the event in the capital city and its outskirts, drawing over 2 lakh people in person and more than 10 lakh viewers across digital platforms, according to official figures.

What Mayer Gomon Represents

Chief Minister Saha described the carnival as a bridge between Tripura's princely past and its contemporary identity. He recalled that during the royal era, processions carrying Durga idols for immersion traditionally began from the area in front of Maharani Tulsibati Girls' School — a legacy the state has sought to honour while adapting it to modern times.

He noted that earlier celebrations lacked today's lighting rigs and sound systems but were marked by deep devotion and enthusiastic public participation. 'Within a short period, the initiative has emerged as one of Tripura's most attractive annual cultural events,' Saha said.

Diplomatic Presence and International Visibility

A significant highlight of this year's edition was the participation of foreign diplomatic representatives from several countries — described as a first for the carnival. Senior embassy officials and members of the diplomatic community arrived in Agartala to witness the procession and the grand arrangements for idol immersion.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that the visiting dignitaries would gain a deeper understanding of Tripura's natural beauty, cultural heritage and the warmth of its people, and that their visit could help project a positive image of the state internationally. He also pointed to a recent business summit in Agartala, at which around 10 overseas investors reportedly expressed interest in the state's industrial and tourism sectors.

Tribal and Non-Tribal Communities United

Saha underlined that Durga Puja in Tripura had transcended religious boundaries, with people from all communities — irrespective of caste or tribal identity — participating side by side. 'People from different backgrounds are joining the celebrations shoulder to shoulder, presenting a shining example of social harmony and mutual goodwill,' he said.

He called upon everyone to strengthen this spirit of unity under the vision of 'Ek Tripura, Shreshtha Tripura' and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader goal of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. The Chief Minister also cited improvements in the state's law-and-order situation since 2018 as a key enabler of growing public confidence and festival participation.

Scale of This Year's Celebrations

According to Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, more than 3,050 community Durga Pujas and over 100 family Pujas were organised across Tripura this year. West Tripura district alone hosted around 775 pujas, requiring extensive security and traffic management arrangements.

Gitte added that the carnival also serves as a vital platform for local artists and artisans to showcase their talent and creativity, reinforcing its role as a cultural and economic catalyst for the state.

With foreign dignitaries attending for the first time and digital viewership crossing the 10 lakh mark, the Mayer Gomon carnival's footprint — both at home and abroad — is set to grow further in the years ahead.